Synthesis of lubricating oil from castor oil

Abstract

Synthetic ester was prepared by transesterification of castor oil with 2-ethylhexanol at 80℃ for 3 hours, using concentrated sulphuric acid a catalyst and then hydrogenation. The used catalyst for hydrogenation contained 3%wt of platinum supported on alumina. The optimum operating condition include 4% catalyst concentration by weight of oil at 100℃ under hydrogen pressure of 100 psi for 3 hours. It was expected that synthetic ester could be used as a lubricating oil because of its high viscosity index, low pour point and good thermal and oxidation stability.